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Ontita NC, Anaman R, Sarkodie EK, Wang Y, Bichi AH, Shanshan X, Nyangweso HN, Xu Y, Amanze C, El Houda Bouroubi N, Yin Z, Zeng W. Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 491:137941. [PMID: 40107103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contribute to increasing gadolinium(III) [Gd(III)] concentrations in aquatic environments, as conventional wastewater treatment plants lack effective removal mechanisms. This study investigated the potential of single-chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) for Gd(III) removal, focusing on removal efficiency and the physiological responses of electrochemically active biofilms. SCMFCs demonstrated exceptional Gd(III) removal efficiency exceeding 99.75 ± 0.007 % across various initial concentrations (10-60 mg/L). Power output and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency showed dose-dependent responses to Gd(III) stress, with maximum power output decreasing from 479.56 mV to 260.43 mV as Gd(III) increased from 0 to 60 mg/L. COD removal efficiency declined from 96.49 ± 1.2 % to 90.23 ± 1.6 % over the same range. Microbial community analysis revealed selective enrichment of exoelectrogens at lower Gd(III) concentrations, with Geobacter relative abundance decreasing from 11.14 % to 1.82 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses demonstrated that elevated Gd(III) concentrations reduced electrochemically active bacterial colonization in anode biofilms. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified specific functional groups associated with Gd(III) biosorption, while predictive functional profiling indicated upregulation of metal resistance genes under Gd(III) exposure. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of SCMFCs in Gd(III) removal from wastewater while elucidating microbial adaptation mechanisms to rare earth element exposure, providing insights for developing sustainable treatment solutions for emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyambane Clive Ontita
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Richmond Anaman
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Emmanuel Konadu Sarkodie
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yanchu Wang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | | | - Xiao Shanshan
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Hyline N Nyangweso
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yilin Xu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Charles Amanze
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Nour El Houda Bouroubi
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zhuzhong Yin
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Weimin Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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Tai JW, Pang YL, Lim S, Chong WC. An environmental-friendly approach for phytoremediation of zinc ion by Lemnaceae species: process behavior and characterization studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2025:1-12. [PMID: 40396542 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2025.2504512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2025]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is a promising approach grounded in green and sustainable development principles for decontaminating water and soil. Among the studied duckweed species (Spirodela polyrhiza, Wolffia arrhizal, and Lemna minor), S. polyrhiza exhibited the highest zinc removal efficiency of 88.50% by day 7, followed by L. minor and W. arrhiza with removal efficiency of 78.69 and 38.59%, respectively. This study investigated the effects of environmental factors, including initial zinc ion concentration (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/L), solution pH (pH 5, 6, 7, and 8), and macrophytes mass (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g) on the phytoremediation of the zinc ion from synthetic wastewater by S. polyrhiza. The process effectively treated 500 mL of synthetic wastewater containing 100 ppm zinc ion and the process could be enhanced to achieve the removal efficiency of 90% by adjusting the solution pH to slightly acidic (pH 5) and increasing the mass of duckweed to its saturation point (20 g). Excessive zinc intake by duckweed led to chlorophyll reduction, negatively impacting the duckweed growth rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the duckweed fronds' surface became uneven after the treatment, with the irregular small particles attached due to cellular damage. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the successful uptake and accumulation of zinc in the duckweed cells from the synthetic wastewater. In conclusion, duckweed-based phytoremediation demonstrates significant potential for removing zinc ion from wastewater, at low and moderate concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wei Tai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yean Ling Pang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Cheras, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Steven Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Cheras, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Woon Chan Chong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Cheras, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Wang D, Zhao J, Yu H, Chen Y, Yang J. Effect of antibiotics on diverse aquatic plants in aquatic ecosystems. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2025; 281:107289. [PMID: 40023060 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025]
Abstract
The widespread presence of antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, mainly due to their use in medicine and veterinary practices, poses a significant environmental challenge. Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability, but their responses to antibiotics vary by species, influenced by differences in their traits and interactions with environmental factors. However, the specific ways antibiotics affect these plants remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of 167 peer-reviewed studies to investigate the mechanisms of antibiotic uptake and their effects on different types of aquatic plants-submerged, emergent, and floating. Our analysis shows that antibiotics, particularly common ones like sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and quinolones, impact aquatic plants through multiple pathways. Submerged and floating plants often face widespread, direct exposure, resulting in "full-coverage" impacts, while emergent plants experience mixed exposure patterns, affecting both submerged and aerial parts and leading to "partial-coverage" impacts. These findings provide a foundation for phytoremediation strategies, enabling the rational selection and management of aquatic plant types to mitigate antibiotic pollution. Our study underscores the ecological risks posed by antibiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystems and offers a theoretical framework for developing effective restoration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Li
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Yani Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Dongyao Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Jiamei Zhao
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Huan Yu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Yun Chen
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Jiqiang Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China.
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Martina A, Ferroni L, Marrocchino E. The Soil-Plant Continuity of Rare Earth Elements: Insights into an Enigmatic Class of Xenobiotics and Their Interactions with Plant Structures and Processes. J Xenobiot 2025; 15:46. [PMID: 40126264 PMCID: PMC11932217 DOI: 10.3390/jox15020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2025] [Revised: 03/17/2025] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly present in the environment owing to their extensive use in modern industries, yet their interactions with plants remain poorly understood. This review explores the soil-plant continuum of REEs, focusing on their geochemical behavior in soil, the mechanisms of plant uptake, and fractionation processes. While REEs are not essential for plant metabolism, they interact with plant structures and interfere with the normal functioning of biological macromolecules. Accordingly, the influence of REEs on the fundamental physiological functions of plants is reviewed, including calcium-mediated signalling and plant morphogenesis. Special attention is paid to the interaction of REEs with photosynthetic machinery and, particularly, the thylakoid membrane. By examining both the beneficial effects at low concentrations and toxicity at higher levels, this review provides some mechanistic insights into the hormetic action of REEs. It is recommended that future research should address knowledge gaps related to the bioavailability of REEs to plants, as well as the short- and long-range transport mechanisms responsible for REE fractionation. A better understanding of REE-plant interactions will be critical in regard to assessing their ecological impact and the potential risks in terms of agricultural and natural ecosystems, to ensure that the benefits of using REEs are not at the expense of environmental integrity or human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Ferroni
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.M.); (E.M.)
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Scarciglia A, Papi C, Romiti C, Leone A, Di Gregorio E, Ferrauto G. Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) for MRI: A Benefit-Risk Balance Analysis from a Chemical, Biomedical, and Environmental Point of View. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2025; 9:2400269. [PMID: 40071223 PMCID: PMC11891575 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have revolutionized medical imaging, enhancing the accuracy and diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The increasing use of GBCAs has raised concerns about the release of gadolinium (Gd)(III) into the environment and potential risks for human health. Initially, multiple administrations of GBCAs were associated only with nephrogenic system fibrosis disease in individuals with impaired kidney function. Even if the Gd(III) retention in tissues has not yet been correlated with any specific disease, caution is required for the extensive use of GBCAs. The concerns related to the employment of GBCAs, due to the possible deposition and retention, should be extended also to healthy individuals without renal impairments. To ensure the well-being of patients, there is a need to develop even more stable and better-performing GBCAs, new MRI approaches requiring lower doses of GBCAs and, finally, innovative methods for recovering Gd(III) from both patients' urines and the environment. This can have strong advantages for human health and for environmental sustainability, also considering Gd(III) scarcity, being a rare earth element, and the shared guideline to reduce, as much as possible, the use of rare metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Scarciglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
| | - Chiara Romiti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
| | - Andrea Leone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
| | - Enza Di Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferrauto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health SciencesUniversity of TorinoVia Nizza 52Torino10126Italy
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Zhang Z, Jiang W, Gu T, Guo N, Sun R, Zeng Y, Han Y, Yu K. Anthropogenic gadolinium contaminations in the marine environment and its ecological implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124740. [PMID: 39147221 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to the widespread application in medicine and industry of anthropogenic gadolinium (Gdanth), the widespread of Gd anomaly in surface water has leading to disruption of the natural Gd geochemical cycle. However, challenges related to the identification and quantification of Gdanth, assessment of its impacts on marine ecosystems, and exploration of strategies for mitigating its adverse effects still exist. Meanwhile, as the major source of the Gdanth, the environmental geochemical behavior of Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs), which are used in medical diagnostics in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are still poorly understood. In this review, we 1) analyzed Gd anomalies in samples from published literature worldwide, confirmed their prevalence (81.25% for sea and lake water, 72.73% for river water), 2) demonstrated that the third-order polynomial method is the preferred approach for the detection of Gdanth in surface seawater, 3) outlined the species and applications of Gdanth and its impacts on marine environment, 4) explored the process of GBCAs influx into the ocean and demonstrated the concentration of Gdanth in coral samples was mainly affected by terrestrial input GBCAs (63.75%) through Pearson correlation analysis and principle component analysis, 5) proposed effective management strategies for GBCAs at all stages from production to release into the ocean, 6) formulated an expectation for future research on marine Gdanth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Zhang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Tingwu Gu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ruipeng Sun
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yansong Han
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
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Kaur P, Mahajan M, Gambhir H, Khan A, Khan MIR. Rare earth metallic elements in plants: assessing benefits, risks and mitigating strategies. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:216. [PMID: 39145796 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) comprises of a uniform group of lanthanides and scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) finding their key importance in agriculture sectors, electronic and defense industries, and renewable energy production. The immense application of REEs as plant growth promoters has led to their undesirable accumulation in the soil system raising concerns for REE pollution as upcoming stresses. This review mainly addresses the chemistry of REEs, uptake and distribution and their biphasic responses in plant systems and possible plausible techniques that could mitigate/alleviate REE contamination. It extends beyond the present understanding of the biphasic impacts of rare earth elements (REEs) on physio-biochemical attributes. It not only provides landmarks for further exploration of the interrelated phytohormonal and molecular biphasic nature but also introduces novel approaches aimed at mitigating their toxicities. By delving into innovative strategies such as recycling, substitution, and phytohormone-assisted mitigation, the review expands upon existing knowledge of REEs whilst also offering pathways to tackle the challenges associated with REE utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravneet Kaur
- Department of Botany, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Moksh Mahajan
- Department of Botany, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | | | - Adiba Khan
- Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, U. P., India
| | - M Iqbal R Khan
- Department of Botany, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
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Li XQ, Hua ZL, Zhang JY, Jin JL. Effects of long-chained perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) on the uptake and bioaccumulation of short-chained PFAAs in two free-floating macrophytes: Eichhornia crassipes and Ceratophyllum demersum. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134778. [PMID: 38843637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Short-chained perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs, CnF2n+1-R, n ≤ 6) have merged as global concerns due to their extensive application and considerable toxicity. However, long-chained PFAAs (n ≥ 7) featured with high persistence are still ubiquitously observed in aquatic environment. To understand the uptake behavior of short-chained PFAAs in aquatic macrophytes, the uptake kinetics, bioconcentration, and translocation of short-chained PFAAs (3 ≤n ≤ 6) in two typical free-floating macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Ceratophyllum demersum) were investigated in the treatments with and without long-chained PFAAs (7 ≤n ≤ 11). Results showed that short-chained PFAAs can be readily accumulated in both E. crassipes and C. demersum, and the uptake of short-chained PFAAs fit the two-compartment kinetic model well (p < 0.05). In the treatments with long-chained PFAAs, significant concentration decreases of all concerned short-chained PFAAs in E. crassipes and PFAAs with n ≤ 5 in C. demersum were observed. Long-chained PFAAs could hinder the uptake rates, bioconcentration factors, and translocation factors of most short-chained PFAAs in free-floating macrophytes (p < 0.01). Significant correlations between bioconcentration factors and perfluoroalkyl chain length were only observed when long-chained PFAAs were considered (p < 0.01). Our results underlined that the effects of long-chained PFAAs should be taken into consideration in understanding the uptake and bioaccumulation behaviors of short-chained PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Jiangsu 210098, PR China.
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Jiangsu 210098, PR China.
| | - Jian-Yun Zhang
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Jiangsu 210098, PR China
| | - Jun-Liang Jin
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Jiangsu 210098, PR China
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Irfan M, Mészáros I, Szabó S, Oláh V. Comparative Phytotoxicity of Metallic Elements on Duckweed Lemna gibba L. Using Growth- and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Induction-Based Endpoints. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 38256768 PMCID: PMC10821045 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we exposed a commonly used duckweed species-Lemna gibba L.-to twelve environmentally relevant metals and metalloids under laboratory conditions. The phytotoxic effects were evaluated in a multi-well-plate-based experimental setup by means of the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging method. This technique allowed the simultaneous measuring of the growth and photosynthetic parameters in the same samples. The inhibition of relative growth rates (based on frond number and area) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fo and Y(II)) were both calculated from the obtained chlorophyll fluorescence images. In the applied test system, growth-inhibition-based phytotoxicity endpoints proved to be more sensitive than chlorophyll-fluorescence-based ones. Frond area growth inhibition was the most responsive parameter with a median EC50 of 1.75 mg L-1, while Fv/Fo, the more responsive chlorophyll-fluorescence-based endpoint, resulted in a 5.34 mg L-1 median EC50 for the tested metals. Ag (EC50 0.005-1.27 mg L-1), Hg (EC50 0.24-4.87 mg L-1) and Cu (EC50 0.37-1.86 mg L-1) were the most toxic elements among the tested ones, while As(V) (EC50 47.15-132.18 mg L-1), Cr(III) (EC50 6.22-19.92 mg L-1), Se(VI) (EC50 1.73-10.39 mg L-1) and Zn (EC50 3.88-350.56 mg L-1) were the least toxic ones. The results highlighted that multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays may reduce space, time and sample volume requirements compared to the standard duckweed growth inhibition tests. These benefits, however, come with lowered test sensitivity. Our multi-well-plate-based test setup resulted in considerably higher median EC50 (3.21 mg L-1) for frond-number-based growth inhibition than the 0.683 mg L-1 median EC50 derived from corresponding data from the literature with standardized Lemna-tests. Under strong acute phytotoxicity, frond parts with impaired photochemical functionality may become undetectable by chlorophyll fluorometers. Consequently, the plant parts that are still detectable display a virtually higher average photosynthetic performance, leading to an underestimation of phytotoxicity. Nevertheless, multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays, combined with chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, offer definite advantages in the rapid screening of large sample series or multiple species/clones. As chlorophyll fluorescence images provide information both on the photochemical performance of the test plants and their morphology, a joint analysis of the two endpoint groups is recommended in multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays to maximize the information gained from the tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
| | - Ilona Mészáros
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
| | - Sándor Szabó
- Department of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Nyiregyhaza, H-4401 Nyiregyhaza, Hungary
| | - Viktor Oláh
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
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Yuan X, Cui K, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Wu S, Xie X, Liu T, Yao H. Microbial community and gene dynamics response to high concentrations of gadolinium and sulfamethoxazole in biological nitrogen removal system. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:140218. [PMID: 37734503 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The impact of high antibiotic and heavy metal pollution levels on biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) remains poorly understood, posing a global concern regarding the issue spread of antibiotic resistance induced by these contaminants. Herein, we investigated the effects of gadolinium (Gd) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), commonly found in medical wastewater, on biological nitrogen removal systems and microbial characteristics, and the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Our findings indicated that high SMX and Gd(III) concentrations adversely affected nitrification and denitrification, with Gd(III) exerting a strong inhibitory effect on microbial activity. Metagenomic analysis revealed that high SMX and Gd(III) concentrations could reduce microbial diversity, with Thauera and Pseudomonas emerging as dominant genera across all samples. While the relative abundance of most ARGs decreased under single Gd(III) stress, MRGs increased, and nitrification functional genes were inhibited. Conversely, combined SMX and Gd(III) pollution increased the relative abundance of intl1. Correlation analysis revealed that most genera could host ARGs and MRGs, indicating co-selection and competition between these resistance genes. However, most denitrifying functional genes exhibited a positive correlation with MRGs. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the impact of high concentrations of antibiotics and heavy metal pollution in WWTPs, and laying the groundwork for the spread and proliferation of resistance genes under combined SMX and Gd pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Yuan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Kangping Cui
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
| | - Yihan Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Shiyang Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Xianjin Xie
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Hongjia Yao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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